BY GLENDA TAYONA
ILOILO City – Amid the rising cases of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) and cholera here, Mayor Jerry P. Treñas appealed to the public, especially to city residents, to always follow health and sanitation protocols.
This, he stressed, could spare them from diseases brought by contaminated food and water sources.
“Naga-apelar gid ako sa aton mga pumoluyo nga magkooperar sa aton mga health authorities. Sundon ang mga health and sanitation protocols para mangin maluwas sa masakit ang aton pamilya. Responsibilidad sang kada isa nga amligan kag proteksyunan ang inyo panimalay ilabi na agid ang mga kabataan,” said Treñas.
On Friday, the city was placed under a state of calamity due to AGE and cholera outbreak, already reaching 284 cases with eight deaths.
The city government also appealed to the residents to immediately report any suspected case of AGE especially if symptoms include stomachache, vomiting and diarrhea.
City residents are advised to take note of these city emergency hotlines which they can call for inquiries and consultations on gastroenteritis:
* City Proper I Health Center – 315-3009
* City Proper II Health Center – 315-2253
* Jaro 1 Health Center – 321-0415
* Jaro 2 Health Center – 315-3036
* Arevalo Health Center -325-2908
* Lapaz Health Center – 325-0954
* Mandurriao Health Center – 321-0414
* Molo Health Center – 321-1462
* Bo. Obrero Health Center – 315-3012
On the other hand, the city government issued education information materials on ways on how to prevent norovirus, a vomiting and diarrhea-causing virus, outbreaks from food contamination.
It is also important to regularly clean and sanitize surfaces and utensils, and frequently-touched objects using a chlorine-based product or other sanitizer approved by the Environmental Protection Agency for use against norovirus.
Careful rinsing of fruits and vegetables before preparing and serving them is also important. Also, when cooking shellfish, it must be cooked thoroughly and avoid serving under-cooked (below 140°F).
One should also avoid touching food with bare hands. Use utensils and single-use disposable gloves to avoid touching ready-to-eat food with bare hands.
Moreover, always wash your hands and exposed portion of arms by rubbing them together vigorously with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds in a designated hand washing sink.
City Health Office OIC Dr. Annabelle Tang also advised the public to be careful when buying and eating street food. Before buying, check first the manner of how the food is cooked or prepared. If not sure, reheat the food.
When sick with vomiting or diarrhea for at least 48 hours after the symptoms presented, stay at home especially if you are a food service worker./PN
